In the center, Danielle and Angelo Marra, owners of the West Main Mercantile Store, cut a ribbon Monday to officially open their store at 17-19 West Main Street while joined by elected officials, family and friends. PJ photo by Christopher Blakeslee
FALCONER – An early 20th century butcher shop and bank that also housed a pet store and various other businesses located at 17-19 W. Main Street has officially opened – but with a new look and flair.
The West Main Mercantile store is a dream come true for co-owners Angelo and Danielle Marra. For about two years, the couple put their heart and soul into renovating the former pet store, which had fallen into a state of disrepair.
“It took us two years to open the store – exactly the way we wanted it,” said Angelo Marra. “We invested a lot of time and money in restoring this old, iconic building here in Falconer.”
In 2018, a fire broke out in the store, leaving 11 people homeless after it was completely destroyed. The fire was so large and intense that fire departments from Kennedy, Busti, Jamestown, Kiantone, Gerry Chautauqua and Randolph had to bring it under control, almost completely destroying the interior of the building.
Angelo Marra was not alone in his views on the revitalization of the couple’s property.
“When Angelo and Danielle showed me their ‘new’ property, I said to myself and my wife, ‘No way,'” said Anthony “Skip” Cavallaro, deputy mayor and Falconer Village trustee. “Everything inside was destroyed. … I mean, just a total wreck. I can’t believe how great the building looks now. It’s just beautiful inside.”
According to the Marras, the new store will sell and display almost exclusively locally produced goods and products.
“Almost everything in the store, almost 95% of all the items for sale, are locally owned and operated,” said Angelo Marra. “I was born and raised here in Falconer. We wanted to open a store that showcased all the great things that are produced locally here.”
A quick glance at the various goods and products for sale in the store reveals a selection of artwork, paints, food, candles, soaps, restored antique furniture and much more.
“We have meals here from Meals-to-Go for downtown business people. You can come in, buy your food, heat it up and eat it here or take it to go,” said Danielle Mara. “We have candles, soaps and other handmade items from American Maker; photography and photo art from Steve Garvey. We’re also considering offering classes in our large studio.”
Similar to other early 20th century architecture, the remains of an apartment complex and living quarters can be seen above the storefront—something the Marras also hope to use to their advantage.
“I don’t want to just have regular apartments above our business,” said Danielle Marra. “We’re thinking about converting the space into an Airbnb for extended stays. Fully furnished and something that offers a place to hang out, but is more geared towards larger businesses in the area.”
In addition, several awards were presented to the Marras to congratulate them on their status and wish them luck. In attendance were Rep. Andy Goodell (R-Jamestown), Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, Cavallaro and a representative from the office of Senator George Borrello (R-Sunset Bay) to present awards, proclamations and congratulations.
For more information visit 1719westmain.com
